The appeal and reviews of "Fullmetal Alchemist": A must-see anime

Detailed review and recommendation of Fullmetal Alchemist OVA

Introduction

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is an OVA based on the original work by Hiromu Arakawa, and was released on December 23, 2009. The OVA depicts the story of the Elric brothers in a short 16-minute episode. This work brings out the charm of the original work to the fullest, providing viewers with deep emotion and excitement. Below, we will explain in detail the story, characters, production background, and recommended points of this OVA.

story

The story of "Fullmetal Alchemist" is set in the world of alchemy. Alchemy is a science that understands, breaks down, and reconstructs matter based on the principle of "equivalent exchange." However, the story revolves around the Elric brothers, who performed "human transmutation," the greatest taboo of all alchemy.

Brothers Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric lose everything when they commit a taboo act out of longing for their late mother. Edward dons a suit of mechanical armour (automail) and takes on the name of the "Fullmetal Alchemist", while Alphonse lives with his soul bound to a giant suit of suit. The two set out on a journey to find the "Philosopher's Stone" to recover what they lost. However, the journey is full of difficulties, and the brothers gradually become embroiled in a major conspiracy.

This OVA depicts the bond and growth of the brothers, as well as the story of the depths of alchemy. In a short time, the brothers' feelings and actions are carefully depicted, allowing the viewer to share their suffering and hopes. In particular, viewers will be drawn into the story as the tragedies and mysteries the brothers face are unraveled.

character

The appeal of this OVA lies in the depth of the characters. Below, we will introduce the main characters in detail.

Edward Elric

Edward Elric is a state alchemist who goes by the nickname "Heavy Metal". He is a boy with blonde hair, golden eyes, a red coat, mechanical armor (automail) on his right arm and left leg, and a small build. He continues his journey with his younger brother in search of the Philosopher's Stone in order to regain his original body. Edward's character is strong-willed and passionate, yet sometimes fragile, and his portrayal of his humanity is appealing. His growth and suffering will deeply move viewers.

Alphonse Elric

Alphonse Elric is Edward's younger brother, originally a boy with blond hair and golden eyes. However, he lost his entire body when his mother's transmutation went wrong, and only his soul was transmuted into this world through Edward's desperate actions, and he lives on in a steel suit of armor. Alphonse's character is one who combines kindness and strength, and the world seen from his perspective offers the viewer a new perspective. His presence is an important factor that supports Edward's actions, and symbolizes the bond between the brothers.

Winry Rockbell

Winry Rockbell is a childhood friend of Edward and Alphonse, and the mechanic of Edward's mechanical armour. Although she lost her parents in the Ishval civil war, she understands the Elric brothers and hones her skills as a mechanical armour technician every day to support them on their journey to return to their original bodies. Winry's character is an important presence that supports the brothers' journey, and her kindness and strength add depth to the story.

Roy Mustang

Roy Mustang is a military man and a state alchemist with the nickname "Flame". He holds the rank of colonel and currently works at Eastern Command. He creates sparks with gloves made of ignitable cloth, and defeats his opponents by manipulating the oxygen around the target to induce a fiery explosion. Although he has a soft-spoken demeanor, he is quite a shrewd individual, and his strategies and actions add tension to the story. Mustang's character symbolizes the dark side of the military nation of Amestris, and his actions and growth are key elements of the story.

Riza Hawkeye

Riza Hawkeye is a soldier with the rank of lieutenant. She works at the Eastern Command and serves as Mustang's aide. Her skill with a gun, her calm and collected personality, and her outspoken behavior make her feared and trusted by those around her. She has a pet dog named "Black Hayate." Riza's character is an important presence that supports Mustang's actions, and her calmness and strength add depth to the story.

Background

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is based on the original work by Hiromu Arakawa and was directed by Yasuhiro Irie. Animation was handled by Bones, and the production was done by the Fullmetal Alchemist Production Committee (Aniplex, Square Enix, Bones) and Mainichi Broadcasting System. This OVA was made with the cooperation of many staff members in order to bring out the best of the original work.

In particular, character design was handled by Hiroki Kanno, art design by Kazushige Kanehira, alley design by toi8, and alchemy circle design by Shinji Aramaki. Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, the world view of the original work has been faithfully reproduced, and viewers will be drawn into the beautiful visuals. In addition, the sound director is Masafumi Mima, and the music is by Akira Senjyu, and the music and sound effects that stir the viewers' emotions liven up the story.

Recommended points

"Fullmetal Alchemist" is a work that can be recommended for the following reasons.

Deep story and character development

This OVA depicts the deep story and character growth of the Elric brothers in a short time. The audience can share their suffering and hopes and empathize deeply with the story. In particular, the bond and growth of the brothers will be deeply moving to the audience.

Beautiful visuals and music

Bones' animation faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work and provides beautiful visuals. In addition, Akira Senjyu's music and Masafumi Mima's sound effects are important elements that stir the viewer's emotions and liven up the story. These visuals and music have the power to draw the viewer into the world of the story.

Bringing out the best in the original work

This OVA was created to bring out the best in the original work. It will be satisfying not only for fans of the original work, but also for viewers who are new to the work. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the story of the Elric brothers and the world of alchemy.

Related Titles

The "Fullmetal Alchemist" OVA can be enjoyed in conjunction with the following related works:

• Fullmetal Alchemist
• Fullmetal Alchemist
• Fullmetal Alchemist OVA
• Fullmetal Alchemist PREMIUM COLLECTION
• Fullmetal Alchemist: The Seven Homunculi vs. the State Alchemist Corps
• Fullmetal Alchemist SHORT COLLECTION
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa
• Fullmetal Alchemist 4-frame Theater
• Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos

Conclusion

The Fullmetal Alchemist OVA brings out the full appeal of the original work with its deep story and character growth of the Elric brothers, beautiful visuals and music, and more. Through this work, viewers will be able to experience the bond and growth of the brothers, as well as the worldview of alchemy. This work is highly recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for viewers experiencing it for the first time.